Upright keywords
Skill, Bravery, Increased Capacity, Defense, Wrath
Reversed keywords
Disqualified, Inefficient, Imprudence, Extravagance
As the old saying goes
Strike while the iron is hot.
Element
Air
Knight of Swords description
The Knight of Swords charges full speed ahead, as though scattering his enemies in full force with his wrath. This is a very exciting card. The sword is poised for battle, and the horse looks somewhat worried about what lies ahead, but the knight is confident. The cypress trees in the background represent sorrow and strife. The clouds are like moments of clarity when the logical mind can be heard, and patches of fog where we act on instinct. The birds on this knights armour is a sign that he might be acting flighty or impulsively.
Upright meaning
The Knight of Swords has an attractive, magnetic personality. Other want to follow him whether due to his attention getting behavior or his aloof demeanor. He has a brilliant mind, but he is easily bored. This card can appear when you need to take control of a situation. You are highly driven and action oriented. Your motivation gives you the ability to leap over challenges and obstacles, taking everything in stride. This could result in a lack of planning or impulsive behavior. While there are times when you need to strike while the iron is hot, there are also times when you need to reflect on learnings and plan ahead.
Reversed meaning
Your motivated and ambitious attitude also has a down side. When this card is in reverse, it is a sign that you are willing to do anything to achieve your goals even if it means compromising your morals. You are acting hastily, and becoming frustrated when things do not go your way or do not move along fast enough. A chaotic situation could have been avoided by better planning. This is a warning that you are acting selfishly and becoming confrontational with others. If you feel like everyone else is against you, or the universe is out to get you, take a look in the mirror. Slow down and think things through before moving forward. Research a new approach.
Knight of Swords quote
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again… who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” Theodore Roosevelt
Want to check in with your higher self?
Tarot helps you step back and consider the bigger picture. This is just a snapshot in time. All things shall pass! Let’s take a look at past, present, and future themes in your life and consider a new direction.